901 Engine Overhaul

By Bethany Rocha, office manager with UIMA

Our Cessna 901 is a vital part of our ministry, whether it be making a critical medevac, hauling missionaries and groceries, or moving doctors or dentists.

As many of you have heard, 901 is nearing its engine overhaul! Each of our aircraft engines are life limited as to the number of hours they are able to run before we do a mandatory overhaul on the engine. As we continue to use 901 for ministry, it inches closer and closer to its 1600 hours of service and the needed engine overhaul.

We are excited to think of all the ministries the last 1600 hours has brought us. All the lives that have been saved and missionaries that were helped. As we look at the time we have left until overhaul, next summer we will be running out of flight hours. We have been working towards this overhaul for some time now and want to share with you where we are at.

The big question: What is an engine overhaul?

An overhaul is when we send the engine to Western Skyways to be completely rebuilt. This is a shop that specializes in many aircraft services, including overhauls. Every single piece of the engine will be taken apart, inspected, cleaned, replaced (if needed), and then put back together. We also have to do this with the propeller and the engine accessories. At the end, giving us a fresh engine. It is no small endeavor!

For this engine overhaul to happen, we have to raise $60,000. God has given us these airplanes to reach His children, over 260 language groups in the mountains of Mexico, and He will provide. We look forward to what ministry opportunities the next 1600 hours will bring on 901’s new engine. How many new villages will be reached and how many new language groups will this next 1600 hours impact?

Please be in prayer with us as we continue in the process of raising funds. We are so thankful that we serve a God who can move mountains. If you wish to be part of this overhaul project, please visit the link below. $10,000 has already come in!

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

By Bethany Rocha, office manager with UIMA

Every year, we have the opportunity to take part in EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. You may have read a short blip about this in our last newsletter. Our guys had an amazing time and their airplane loving hearts were flying high!

The UIM Aviation booth was set up under the IAMA tent (International Association of Mission Aviation). Approximately 642,000 people attend this event and many of those made their way to our table. We were able to share with people from all age groups. From a younger crowd looking for guidance and direction on where God is calling them in life, to volunteers who are looking for a mission to serve, we are so thankful for the opportunity to be able to share with others what God is doing through UIM Aviation.

On top of being able to connect with those coming through the event, we were also able to connect with other mission groups and churches in the IAMA tent. What an encouragement it is to be able to connect with others who have the same mindset and goals as you!